Plumbing Repair Guide: How to Plunge a Clogged Drain


It is almost inevitable that you will have to deal with a plugged drain somewhere in your home at some point. This
drain may be in the bathtub, a sink or a toilet. But wherever it is, a plunger is usually your best bet for getting it out. If you are going to be successful,
though, you need to know how to set yourself up and use the plunger properly.

To begin with, remove the strainer or pop-up plug from the opening of the drain. You want the material that is clogging the drain to be able to come back
up through that hole when you apply the plunger suction. Next, make sure the sink or tub has enough water in it to cover the head of the plunger completely.
A toilet generally has enough water in it already. This water helps to create a better seal for the plunger and allows you to generate better suction,
both of which are essential if you are going to dislodge that plug.

You should also make sure you block off any other outlet connected to the drain you are going to plunge. To do this, stuff an old rag or sponge into the
overflow opening or into the second drain of a two compartment sink. That will make it possible for the entire force of your suctioning to reach the clog
because it will not be compromised by air escaping through an alternate opening.

Now you are ready to plunge. Place the plunger over the opening of the clogged drain. While keeping constant contact with the sink or tub floor, move
the plunger rapidly up and down between 10 and 20 times. After the last plunge, pull the plunger off of the sink or tub floor quickly. This should break
the seal you have established and help to pull the clog back up the drain towards you.

It can take a few cycles like this before you are able to dislodge the clog completely. But each time you plunge, you are doing more to break up the clog.
The pressure from the plunger can eventually get rid of many difficult clogs, so do not be discouraged if it takes a few tries. If you are still having
problems, call your local plumber.

Your Emergency Plumber For All Repairs & Maintenance

When a plumbing problem has thrown a wrench into your daily routine, turn to the licensed technicians at Milani Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We will get your home back to normal with dependable, 24-7 emergency plumbing repairs throughout Western Canada. From broken pipes to leaky faucets, we offer around-the-clock service and the expertise needed to work on all brands and types of applications. We are the repair plumber you can count on for everything from plumbing replacements to routine maintenance.

We will install, replace or repair the following:

  • Faucets
  • Toilets
  • Sinks
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  • Water heaters
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  • Water pipes
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  • Outside faucets
  • Garburators/Garbage disposals
  • Sump pumps
  • Sewage pumps

Milani can fix plumbing issues of all types and is pleased to provide the following services:

  • Drain cleaning
  • Leak detection
  • Frozen pipe thawing
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  • Avoid Costly Repairs with Routine Plumbing Maintenance

Routine plumbing maintenance from the skilled technicians at Milani Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning will not only give you peace of mind but will also help you avoid costly repairs down the road. With regular inspections and maintenance you can avoid potentially costly problems like:

  • Clogged drains
  • Clogged toilets
  • Toilets that keep running
  • Flushing problems
  • Leaky faucets
  • Faulty water heaters
  • Malfunctioning garbage disposals
  • Broken pipes

That leaky faucet or toilet that keeps running is more than just an annoyance. It is costing you money – maybe more than you think. The leaky faucet can waste up to 30 gallons a day and your toilet that takes forever to stop can waste up to 2 gallons per minute! Before you need to fix plumbing problems, have our highly trained and experienced plumbers perform an inspection. We will save you money in the long run.

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